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Dec122013

Two Gaming PC Buying Paths - Which is right for you?

When it's time to purchase a new gaming rig, you're going to face a difficult challenge: do you buy the expensive, top-of-the-line build now, or do you buy something a little less expensive at the moment, with the intent to upgrade it down the road? It's a tough decision, but there is some good news: neither option is the wrong option.

Buy Now, Pay Later

The first option we'll cover is the less expensive option. This option is for those who want to upgrade their system in the future. When going this route, you'll want to make sure your focus is on your motherboard and processor. Look for options that are SLI-ready or CrossFire-ready, so you'll be prepared when you decide to upgrade your PC and purchase dual graphics cards down the line. This is an excellent option for a number of reasons, as it will save you some cash right now, and it will ensure your computer is ready to handle all of the games of tomorrow.

If you're a cash-strapped college student (and let's face it, we've all been there), this is a really good option. You'll get a system that can easily handle today's games and look great (you'll probably be looking at medium settings for new releases), but will also be upgradeable to the advanced hardware of tomorrow. Oh, and you'll also save some cash today, which is a pretty big deal when you're living on Ramen noodles. Don't worry, though—once you get your "big boy" or "big girl" job, you'll be able to turn this rig into a top-of-the-line gaming beast in no time.

Buy Now, Game Now

Not the patient type? Have a little disposable income? Want to play Battlefield 4 or Crysis 3 at the highest settings right now? Then this is absolutely the option for you. When you're customizing your build, don't hold back when picking parts—you want the best of the best here. When going this route, you'll want to make sure to focus on the best processor, motherboard, memory, and graphics card(s) available. Your goal should be to get the most power possible for your dollar. This route will pretty much eliminate your need to worry about upgrading any parts in the future, which makes it an attractive option for those who are less inclined to open up their PC and swap parts.

This option is great if you have the money to spend on it. If you're all about gaming right now, then you'll most definitely want to go this route. By purchasing the best hardware that's currently available, you'll have a computer that can handle any game that's out today. Plus, the top-of-the-line components that are available today will be able to max out games for years to come. If you aren't strapped for cash, and you want the absolute best bang for your buck, you should definitely "buy now, game now."

It is also worth noting that if you're purchasing a gaming laptop, this really is the best option for you. Laptops are more difficult to upgrade, so you really want to ensure that you're getting the best hardware right off the bat. That way, you'll have a laptop that's capable of running new games for years to come, without worrying about upgrading.

Purchasing a new gaming computer, whether it's a gaming desktop or a laptop, is a big, and expensive decision. It's important to make sure you're making the right buying choice for you. If you're a little strapped for cash, and/or you like to upgrade your computer, the first option listed is definitely for you. If you're not into upgrading, have some extra cash, and need a powerful rig now, you're a perfect fit for the second route.

What did you do when you bought your PC? Did you purchase the best hardware right away, so you wouldn't have to worry about upgrading later? Or, did you sacrifice some power today for upgradeability in the future? Let us know in the comments below!